Research findings indicate that a high intake of dairy products may raise concerns for consumers. The researchers referred to earlier studies that suggest dairy is the primary source of calcium in Western nations, which coincide with higher rates of prostate cancer. In contrast, countries with lower dairy consumption, such as many in Asia, report lower rates of prostate cancer. These revelations are unlikely to please the dairy industry, which is already facing challenges from oversupply, reduced prices, competition from private-label brands, and the growing popularity of plant-based beverages. An increasing number of farmers are exiting the dairy business, and major companies like Dean Foods have terminated milk contracts and shuttered processing plants. In an effort to counter these trends, the dairy industry has been emphasizing the nutritional benefits of its products. If consumers interpret these study results as a warning to reduce dairy consumption, it could further harm the struggling industry.
On the other hand, the burgeoning plant-based food sector is likely to view the study’s findings linking a plant-based diet to a reduced risk of prostate cancer as encouraging news. John Shin, an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic and the study’s lead author, stated that the findings contribute to the “growing body of evidence regarding the potential advantages of plant-based diets.” According to data from The Good Food Institute and the Plant Based Foods Association, sales of plant-based foods surged by 11% over the past year, reaching $4.5 billion, while sales of plant-based milk products increased by 6%, in contrast to a 3% decline in cow’s milk sales. Currently, the plant-based segment accounts for 13% of the entire milk category, as reported by these organizations. As research continues to highlight the benefits of plant-based foods, an increasing number of consumers may be motivated to explore these options.
Nevertheless, the study does have limitations. The Mayo Clinic researchers pointed out several shortcomings in their review, including significant heterogeneity among the studies that hindered meaningful quantitative analysis. Additionally, the data cannot conclusively establish causation, as any correlation between dairy consumption and prostate cancer risk may be influenced by other factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Previous studies have shown inconsistent associations between dairy product intake and an elevated risk of mortality due to cancer, coronary heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease. For instance, Polish researchers in 2018 found that dairy consumption was linked to a 2% reduction in the risk of death from any cause, while a diet predominantly consisting of cheese was associated with an 8% lower total mortality risk. They noted that total dairy consumption correlated with a 4% lower risk of death from stroke, and a 7% lower risk for milk consumption alone.
The Mayo Clinic researchers suggested that future studies could benefit from alternative approaches, including more standardized methods for reviewing dietary and lifestyle data. Furthermore, the credibility of their findings could be enhanced through additional randomized controlled trials. While further research is necessary to establish a definitive link between dairy consumption and cancer risk, this study could still generate negative publicity for the beleaguered dairy industry. As plant-based dairy alternatives gain popularity among consumers, studies like this could prompt even more people to move away from dairy products.
In parallel, products like Kirkland Calcium Citrate Magnesium and Zinc available on Amazon may gain increased attention as consumers seek alternative sources of calcium and other nutrients, bolstered by studies advocating plant-based diets.